July 2, 2025

Shreveport Driver Arrested after Fatal Pedestrian Crash

News Summary

A tragic pedestrian crash early Saturday morning in Ruston left one young man dead and another seriously injured. 20-year-old Abby Sterling from Shreveport has been arrested and charged with vehicular negligent injuring after her vehicle struck two pedestrians. Authorities reported that Sterling’s blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit, leading to speculation about potential vehicular homicide charges as the investigation continues. The community mourns the loss of Jackson Mitcham, while concerns about impaired driving rise.

Ruston, Louisiana – A 20-year-old driver from Shreveport, Abby Sterling, has been arrested following a tragic pedestrian crash that resulted in the death of one young man early Saturday morning, October 19. The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on the I-20 South Service Road, where two pedestrians were struck by Sterling’s vehicle.

According to the Ruston Police Department, officers responded to the crash and found two young men, identified as Jackson Mitcham, 21, and Hahn Bridges, 20, lying on the road. Both were taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center for medical treatment. Unfortunately, Mitcham was later transferred to a hospital in Shreveport, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigations revealed that Sterling was driving east when the accident occurred. She stated that she did not have enough time to stop her vehicle before hitting Mitcham and Bridges. Following the crash, Sterling was taken into custody and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Authorities conducted a breathalyzer test on Sterling, which indicated her blood alcohol content was .169%, more than twice the legal limit of .08% in Louisiana. As a result of these findings, she was charged with two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring. Ruston Police Deputy Chief Chad Hamlin noted that as the investigation progresses, one of the charges may be elevated to vehicular homicide due to the severity of the incident.

Deputy Chief Hamlin stressed that the investigation is ongoing and more updates are expected in the coming days. The accident has raised concerns in the community about the dangers of impaired driving, especially among young drivers. Traffic safety initiatives often highlight the implications of driving under the influence, urging individuals to prioritize safety and responsibility behind the wheel.

Incident Details

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, a time often associated with increased incidents of impaired driving. Emergency responders arrived swiftly to the scene, where they found Mitcham and Bridges seriously injured. First aid was administered on-site before both victims were transported to medical facilities.

In the aftermath of the collision, the scene of the accident revealed a Nissan Altima, reportedly driven by Sterling, halted in the left lane. The chaos on the road, combined with Sterling’s significant blood alcohol level, has sparked discussions within the local community about the critical need for vigilance regarding roadway safety and intoxication.

Legal Consequences

As Sterling faces legal repercussions for her actions, the community is left to grapple with the loss of Mitcham and the serious injuries sustained by Bridges. Charges of vehicular negligent injuring indicate a strong legal response to reckless and irresponsible behavior, particularly when it involves the safety of others.

Driver safety remains a vital topic in Louisiana, where state officials and law enforcement continuously work to combat impaired driving through education and strict enforcement of DUI laws. The tragic circumstances of this incident serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of driving under the influence.

Community Reaction

The incident has caused an outpouring of grief within the Ruston community, where many knew Mitcham and Bridges. Local organizations and citizens are likely to rally in the coming days, not only to honor the victims but to promote heightened awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.

The Ruston Police Department is expected to provide further updates regarding the investigation and any subsequent legal actions as more information becomes available in the following days. The ongoing investigation will clarify the legal parameters surrounding the case and whether the charges against Sterling will be escalated.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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